Guidebook for Mesa
Food Scene
This one-of-a-kind hidden gem is arguably the most delicious restaurant in the entire Phoenix area! The empanadas are incredible, with a great variety and selection. They were even featured on Guy Fieri's 'Diners, Drive-ins and Dives'!
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República Empanada Restaurant
204 E 1st AveThis one-of-a-kind hidden gem is arguably the most delicious restaurant in the entire Phoenix area! The empanadas are incredible, with a great variety and selection. They were even featured on Guy Fieri's 'Diners, Drive-ins and Dives'!
On the surface, this might seem like a weird recommendation, but trust me - this Chevron hosts two awesome hidden food gems: unbelievably delicious authentic hot and fresh red/green tamales (sold inside in their professional setup; they are available individually or by the dozen and usually sell out before 8pm!), and most nights a local Sonoran Dog vendor is set up in the parking lot from around 6-10pm. Sonoran dogs are bacon-wrapped hot dogs (SOO GOOD!) that come in specialty buns and have many options for toppings including mushrooms (ask for sauteéd!), pinto beans, various sauce options and cheeses (like cotija, a crumbled Mexican parmesan-like cheese). Don't knock it before you try it!
Chevron Mesa
357 N Stapley DrOn the surface, this might seem like a weird recommendation, but trust me - this Chevron hosts two awesome hidden food gems: unbelievably delicious authentic hot and fresh red/green tamales (sold inside in their professional setup; they are available individually or by the dozen and usually sell out before 8pm!), and most nights a local Sonoran Dog vendor is set up in the parking lot from around 6-10pm. Sonoran dogs are bacon-wrapped hot dogs (SOO GOOD!) that come in specialty buns and have many options for toppings including mushrooms (ask for sauteéd!), pinto beans, various sauce options and cheeses (like cotija, a crumbled Mexican parmesan-like cheese). Don't knock it before you try it!
Most people in this area will recommend Moreno's, the Mexican restaurant on the Northwest corner, but I don't - this place has much better tacos, and is SUPER budget-friendly! Authentic street tacos, they have a variety of meat options as well as a nicely-equipped salsa bar and delicious horchata. Come hungry and leave satisfied, they have never let me down - I eat here more frequently than any other restaurant in the area, and I'm very picky with my tacos! For an even more unique and exciting food experience, park here and walk next door to La Estrella Panaderia for an eloté (a delicious Mexican corn-on-the-cob!), before gorging on tacos! (Note: restaurant staff primarily speaks Spanish!)
Hidalgo Mexican Food
801 E Broadway RdMost people in this area will recommend Moreno's, the Mexican restaurant on the Northwest corner, but I don't - this place has much better tacos, and is SUPER budget-friendly! Authentic street tacos, they have a variety of meat options as well as a nicely-equipped salsa bar and delicious horchata. Come hungry and leave satisfied, they have never let me down - I eat here more frequently than any other restaurant in the area, and I'm very picky with my tacos! For an even more unique and exciting food experience, park here and walk next door to La Estrella Panaderia for an eloté (a delicious Mexican corn-on-the-cob!), before gorging on tacos! (Note: restaurant staff primarily speaks Spanish!)
Parks & Nature
This park was recently completely rebuilt and now features a giant playground including an enclosed tower that is 3 stories tall! There is also a splash pad with various water features that even an electronic waterfall which prints pictures in the water as it falls! Very family friendly, has lots of shade and seating for adults, and the kids love this park! Also has many tables for gatherings and barbeques, frequently have live music and food trucks on the weekends. Located across from the LDS temple and adjacent to the light rail train that provides access to downtown Phoenix.
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Pioneer Park
526 E Main StThis park was recently completely rebuilt and now features a giant playground including an enclosed tower that is 3 stories tall! There is also a splash pad with various water features that even an electronic waterfall which prints pictures in the water as it falls! Very family friendly, has lots of shade and seating for adults, and the kids love this park! Also has many tables for gatherings and barbeques, frequently have live music and food trucks on the weekends. Located across from the LDS temple and adjacent to the light rail train that provides access to downtown Phoenix.
Entertainment & Activities
The neighborhood has a lot of cute homes surrounding the LDS temple, which is a beautiful building and campus. During the Easter season, you can enjoy their live-action outdoor play which recreates famous Easter bible scenes. During the winter holidays, they have an unbelievable Christmas lights display that covers their entire campus!
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Mesa Arizona Temple
540 S LesueurThe neighborhood has a lot of cute homes surrounding the LDS temple, which is a beautiful building and campus. During the Easter season, you can enjoy their live-action outdoor play which recreates famous Easter bible scenes. During the winter holidays, they have an unbelievable Christmas lights display that covers their entire campus!
Essentials
Fry's has the best prices and selection of the local grocery stores in this area. You can use my phone number to get discounts on your groceries, and I can provide you with the weekly discount flier to see what's currently on sale!
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Fry's Marketplace
1935 N Stapley DrFry's has the best prices and selection of the local grocery stores in this area. You can use my phone number to get discounts on your groceries, and I can provide you with the weekly discount flier to see what's currently on sale!
This grocery store has an incredible selection of authentic Latin-American foods and produce as well as a hot food restaurant, agua fresca bar (try the horchata!), and a large selection of mexican cremas, pastries, meats, etc. Whether you're looking for an authentic flavor or an adventure in shopping, this is a great place to discover! Prices are always extremely reasonable, and I keep their weekly flier on hand so you can see what's on sale during your stay!
Los Altos Ranch Market
1118 E Southern AveThis grocery store has an incredible selection of authentic Latin-American foods and produce as well as a hot food restaurant, agua fresca bar (try the horchata!), and a large selection of mexican cremas, pastries, meats, etc. Whether you're looking for an authentic flavor or an adventure in shopping, this is a great place to discover! Prices are always extremely reasonable, and I keep their weekly flier on hand so you can see what's on sale during your stay!
Getting Around
This light rail station is within walking distance, but also has a large, free and well-lit parking lot. The Phoenix light rail system connects directly to downtown Phoenix and provides quick and easy access to professional sports games, nightlife and events for only a few dollars and without having to worry about the costs, risk or hassles of other transportation options.
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Light Rail Station #18603
420 E Main StThis light rail station is within walking distance, but also has a large, free and well-lit parking lot. The Phoenix light rail system connects directly to downtown Phoenix and provides quick and easy access to professional sports games, nightlife and events for only a few dollars and without having to worry about the costs, risk or hassles of other transportation options.